Submarine Sinks Off Egypt's Hurghada Coast in the Red Sea, 6 Russian Tourists Killed, 39 Foreign Tourists Rescued

Submarine Sinks Off Egypt's Hurghada Coast in the Red Sea, 6 Russian Tourists Killed, 39 Foreign Tourists Rescued

Cairo, March 27 – A submarine sank off the coast of Hurghada in the Red Sea, killing 6 Russian tourists and rescuing 39 foreign tourists, according to the local governor’s office. It was also reported that no passengers or crew members are currently missing.

The Red Sea Governorate stated that the submarine, named "Sindbad," had a total of 50 people onboard, including 45 nationals from Russia, India, Norway, and Sweden, as well as 5 Egyptian crew members. The Russian consulate confirmed that the majority of the passengers have been rescued and taken to their hotels and hospitals in Hurghada.

This was a viewing submarine, designed with large portholes to showcase the Red Sea's stunning coral reefs and marine life, and capable of diving to a depth of 25 meters, as mentioned on the company’s website.

The submarine was a fully recreational vessel, differing significantly from the adventure submarine that went missing thousands of meters underwater near the Titanic wreck in the Atlantic Ocean in June 2023.

The Red Sea is a major hub for Egypt’s tourism industry, a key pillar of the country's economy. The role of Russian tourists in this region has been steadily increasing. The Egyptian government has successfully protected its tourism industry in the past, despite attacks on foreign tourists by Islamic militant groups.

The local governor stated that Egyptian authorities are investigating the cause of the submarine sinking, working with the crew members. The submarine is Egyptian-owned, and its captain is licensed, he added.

Recently, there have been a few incidents involving tourist boats sinking. In June, a boat sank due to heavy waves, but no casualties were reported. In November, a tourist boat sank, resulting in 11 deaths.